About this Course

For social sector problem solvers

Many have said it before but the ability to effectively communicate is perhaps the greatest skill you can have in business and politics (and in your relationships). Brands must connect with their customers, doctors with their patients, candidates with the voters, and 

In politics, strategic communications is how candidates influence voters, develop momentum behind legislation, tear an opponent down, and bring about social change, whether it’s wearing a mask, racial justice, or marriage equality. 


Course Outline 

  • Why effective communication so important in policymaking and campaigns
  • How to find your story and message -- and make them stick. (Hint: It’s not about facts and policy proposals.)
  • Success stories and not-so-successful case studies
  • How to do a news interview on TV and online. Live simulation.
  • Upsides and downsides of social media. 
  • Paid advertising and how to measure its effectiveness.
  • Managing the beast of misinformation. 
  • Is persuasion even possible in the current climate? Should the goal be something different
  • Applying lessons learned in this course to major issues of the moment

Who should take this course: Those interested in advocacy, policymaking, running for office. While this course is focused on politics, the principles and practices discussed are the same for business and nonprofit leaders. 

Course curriculum